7 Household Items That Should Never Be Flushed Down the Toilet
The toilet is a standard fixture in our homes that we regularly use. It’s easy to take its utility as a given, but it’s vital to remember that it’s not a garbage can. There are certain things that should not be flushed down the toilet because they can cause obstruction from the pipes or damage the sewer pipe.
Key Takeaways
- Don’t flush certain items into the toilet because they could cause blockages in the drain or damage to sewer pipes.
- Seven household items you should never flush down the toilet include:
- Baby wipes
- Condoms
- Oil and cooking oil, as well as cooking grease
- Products for feminine hygiene (tampons and sanitary pads)
- Medical Treatment
- Dental floss
- Paper towels
- Doing this will ultimately lead to blockages in drains or damaged pipelines inside your home’s plumbing system. This can result in an unforetold cost to you.
- Blocked Drains Plumbers Sydney offers unblocking blocked drains Drain clearing, CCTV drain inspection, and pipe relining.
Seven household objects you shouldn’t flush in the toilet.
1. Baby wipes
Baby wipes may seem convenient however, they do not disintegrate like toilet paper and can clog pipes. Put them in the garbage instead.
2. Condoms
Flushing condoms down the toilet can cause blockages to both your plumbing system and wastewater treatment facilities.
3. Cooking grease and oil
Oil and grease should be put in a container, then thrown in the garbage, since they’ll get hard and cause blockages in your drains or pipes.
4. Products for feminine hygiene
Tampons and sanitary pads are often marketed in the form of "flushable, " but flushing them is not likely to cause troubles later on if they join with other products and cause a obstruction.
5. Medicines
Medications should never be flushed in the toilet since they can contaminate our water sources.
6. Dental floss
Dental floss is designed to be tough, which means it won’t break apart when wet, which can lead to the possibility of clogging your pipes.
7. Paper towels
As opposed to toilet paper the paper towels have a more dense weave which will make them less likely to degrade quickly after being they’re wet. They can easily blockage.
In the end, flushing any of these items will eventually lead to blocked drains and damaged pipelines within the plumbing system of your home, which can result in an unexpected price to you. Be mindful of the items you flush down the toilet.
| Item | Reason for not Flushing |
|---|---|
| Baby wipes | Do not break down like toilet paper and can clog your plumbing system. Dispose of them in the trash instead. |
| Condoms | Leads to blockages both at home’s plumbing and treatment plants. |
| Cooking grease and oil | Will harden and cause blockages in your drains or pipes. |
| Feminine hygiene products | Combining with other items creates a nasty clog despite being marketed as "flushable". |
| Medications | Can contaminate our water sources. |
| Dental floss | Designed to be strong, leading to potential blockages in pipes. |
| Paper towels | Less likely to deteriorate quickly once wet, easily causing blockages unlike with toilet paper. |
Frequently Asked Question
Does flushing feminine hygiene products can cause harm to my pipes?
Yes. Products for feminine hygiene do not dissolve in water and may cause blockages to the sewer or your pipes.
Are flushable wipes actually flushable?
There is no need to worry, most "flushable" wipes don’t really break down and may cause clogs in your pipes.
Can I flush baby wipes down the toilet?
No. Baby wipes should not be flushed down the toilet as they do not dissolve easily and can cause blockages.
Are paper towels safe to flush?
No. Paper towels are thicker than toilet paper and will not break down as easily, leading to the possibility of clogging in the plumbing system.
What happens to medications? Do I have to flush them through the toilet?
No. Medicines can be harmful to our waterways, so it’s important to dispose of them in a safe manner by taking your medications to the designated place for drop-off.
If you find yourself dealing with the problem of a blocked drain do not be afraid to contact our professional plumbing service at Blocked Drains Plumbers Sydney . We offer unblocking blocked drains drainage clearing, CCTV drain inspection as well as pipe relining services to ensure that your home is free of plumbing issues. Call us now to make an appointment.
Additional Information
- Tips on Keeping Your Drains Clear and Free From Blockages
- Say farewell to blocked drains with the best solutions
- The Ultimate Guide to Prevent Drain Blockages
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